Community Development Director Larry Oetker explained that the city adopted a land use code in 2008 that called for discretionary review on projects for houses older than 50 years.

In 2010, Oetker wrote an interpretation of the code that stated that review wasn't necessary for alterations to a building more than 50 years old unless it has been determined to be historically significant.

"That didn't solve the issue and, in my opinion, it made the matter worse, as far as conflict goes," Oetker said, adding that the Historic Landmarks Committee has been unclear on how to act in regards to the code. "It's a huge issue when you're dealing with historic landmark status."

Oetker asked the council to amend the code or formally appeal the code and give it to the Planning Commission for review.

Vice Mayor Shane Brinton and Mayor Michael Winkler expressed initial agreement that the city should evaluate each house older than 50 years for historic designation -- as opposed to a blanket requirement.

"In our next discussion, I think it would be valuable to really drill down into what that process is," Brinton said.

Historic Landmarks Committee member Kathleen Stanton asked the council to continue the matter, and the council agreed with the need to allow the committee time to prepare reports and get more public input on the decision.

Former Councilman Paul Pitino said that permits -- which cost $450 -- could hurt low income homeowners looking to do simple repair projects.

"If we're talking about houses that are 50 years old or more, we're talking about a few thousand," Pitino said.

Oetker said that it's estimated that 40 percent of single family residences in Arcata are at least 50 years old.

He said there will be a big spike in that percentage over the next 10 years, as Arcata saw a building boom in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

"Given an aging house stock of our community, this issue is going to be city-wide," Councilman Mark Wheetley said.

All of the councilmembers agreed that more discussion was needed.

"This is a big issue for people in this town," Ornelas said. "There's strong feelings on this on both sides of the story."